Safe Sleep Matters: Supporting Rest in Early Education

INDUSTRY

Early Childhood

CATEGORY

Refresher Module

LEVEL

Entry

AVG COMPLETION TIME

40 mins

Expert Led

Developed by Australian Experts

Up To Date

Updated as standards and regulations change

Compliant

Comply with ethical and legal obligations

Self Paced

Complete in the flow of work

What You’ll Learn

  • Understand the importance of safe sleep as a vital part of children’s health, growth, and development.
  • Create safe sleep environments that meet current research, NQF standards, and recognised health guidelines.
  • Establish consistent, effective rest routines that support each child’s individual needs and preferences.
  • Apply practical strategies for setting up rest spaces and monitoring children during sleep times.
  • Respond sensitively to children’s diverse sleep patterns while maintaining safety and comfort.
  • Reflect on current sleep practices and identify areas for improvement in early learning environments.
  • Challenge assumptions about rest and sleep to better support children’s rights and wellbeing.
  • Communicate effectively with families about safe sleep routines and practices.
    Build trust and partnerships with families through transparent, collaborative discussions about rest.
  • Embed safe sleep principles into everyday practice, service routines, and policy frameworks.
  • Balance regulatory requirements with family preferences and children’s individual needs.
  • Strengthen confidence in applying evidence-based strategies that ensure every child experiences safe, nurturing rest times.

Course Overview

Ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing during rest times is a fundamental responsibility in early childhood education. This course explores safe sleep practices grounded in current research, the National Quality Framework (NQF), and recognised health guidelines.

Educators will gain a clear understanding of:

  • How to create safe sleep environments that reduce risks.
  • Establishing effective routines that support children’s individual needs.
  • Practical strategies for setting up rest spaces and monitoring children closely.
  • Approaches for responding sensitively to diverse sleep patterns.

Through reflection, case studies, and real-world examples, participants will also build skills in:

  • Communicating effectively with families about safe sleep.
  • Building trust and partnership with families when discussing rest practices.
  • Embedding safe sleep principles into daily practice and service policies.

By the end of this course, educators will feel confident in applying evidence-based safe sleep practices to protect children’s wellbeing and support quality care.

Course Activities

Introduction

  • Welcome introduction
  • Lessons

  • How to promote safe sleep
  • Sharing information with families
  • Thinking deeply about safe sleep
  • Conclusions

  • Knowledge Checks
  • Final Quiz
  • Meet Your Course Authors

    KA

    Karen Atkinson

    Childcare Resources

    With 38+ years of experience in Early Childhood and Adult Education, Karen combines her background as a Teacher, University Lecturer, and RTO Founder to develop research-based, practical learning resources. Her expertise spans educational theory, curriculum design, and neuroscience-informed approaches to effective teaching and professional development.

    SS

    Stephanie Sinclair

    Childcare Resources

    With 15+ years in Early Childhood Education, Stephanie brings experience as a Teacher, Trainer, and Consultant, specialising in curriculum design, play-based learning, and compliance with National Standards. As Co-Director of Insightful Learning and Education, she’s dedicated to helping educators create environments where curiosity and connection thrive.

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